What is a bonded title?

If you do not have acceptable evidence of ownership for a vehicle you own, you may have the option of applying for a bonded title.

Step 1: Determine your eligibility

In order to qualify, you must be a Texas resident or military personnel stationed in Texas; or

Have a vehicle that was last titled in Texas.

The vehicle must be in your possession and cannot be considered abandoned, junked, stolen, or in any other pending lawsuits. Although not required to be operational, it must be a complete vehicle including a frame, body and motor or if a motorcycle, a frame and motor.

If you meet the above eligibility requirements take or mail the following documents to JACKIE'S TEXAS AUTO TITLE.

Note: A Request for Motor Vehicle Information, Form VTR-275 may be required by your bonding company.

If your documents are approved, you will be issued a letter with the amount of the bond equal to 1½ times the value of the vehicle. The department is responsible for determining the value of the vehicle using:

The Standard Presumptive Value (SPV) from our Web site (www.TxDMV.gov) as the primary source

If a SPV is not available, a national reference guide, National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) will be used

If a value is not available either through SPV or NADA, a licensed motor vehicle dealer or insurance adjuster may appraise the vehicle on a form provided by VTR.

Step 2: Purchase a surety bond

Take the letter and other documents given to you by the VTR Regional Office to an auto insurance agency or any agency that is licensed to sell vehicle Surety Bonds in Texas.

You have one year from the date of the letter to purchase a Surety Bond in the amount shown on the letter, otherwise a new letter and bond would be required.

Step 3: Apply for a bonded title

Within 30 days from purchasing the surety bond, take the original letter given to you by the Regional Office and the documents listed above, to your county tax office, in addition to:

Should I call to check the status of my paper work?

We will give you an estimated time frame that we expect to have your work completed. We will do EVERYTHING possible to have it completed on time Please do not call just to check on how things are moving along. We are a small office and some days our phone never stops ringing. When you call "just to check" it slows us down and will slow down your title work too. However, if it has been much longer than our estimated time frame please give us a call.

How long will it take to get my title transferred?

Normally, if you bring us your paperwork Monday through Thursday before 2:00Pm then you will get your proof ownership (county tax office receipt) the following day after 4:00pm. If you come on Friday, you will not get this receipt until the following Tuesday. Your certificate of title will follow within three weeks and will be mailed directly to your address. ~Please keep in mind that we used the word "normally". There are circumstances where this could be slightly delayed.

How long will it take to get my registration?

Normally, if you bring us your paperwork Monday through Thursday before 2:00pm then you will get your proof ownership (county tax office receipt), registration, and license plates the following day after 4:00pm. If you come on Friday, you will not get these until the following Tuesday. Your certificate of title will follow within three weeks and will be mailed directly to your address. ~Please keep in mind that we used the word "normally". There are circumstances where this could be slightly delayed.

Can I get a title to a car that was abandoned on my property (or that I found abandoned)?

No. You need to call the city where you live and have them pick it up. You may apply for a bonded title to a vehicle that is rightfully yours.

How long will it take to get my title bonded?

Once we have the signed paper work in our office, you can expect your title to arrive in the mail within 3 to 4 weeks. If you ordered vehicle registration and license plates, you will receive a phone call from us when they come in~ normally it takes 5 to 10 business days.

I have my rejection letter from TXDOT. Can I just purchase the bond and transfer it myself?

Absolutely! Just bring in the letter and we will have you bonded within minutes. Please bring any supporting documents that show how you got the vehicle.